Overview
Sociology facilitates understanding of how and why society is organized as it is and how it might be changed to create a more just and equitable social world. The program introduces students to different perspectives on social life, and offers training in specific research skills.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study sociology at ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½?
At ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½, Sociology helps students develop their perspective on society, examining it from different point of view and in different contexts.
You'll study subjects like:
- social class and inequality
- race and racialization
- gender relations
- youth culture
- work and society
- media and pop culture
- health and illness
- education and society
- citizenship, identity, refugees
- social policies
- non-profit organizations
- criminology
- research methods
Sociology is available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- BA honours (66 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Experiential learning
Students in our Sociology program are regularly called upon to take what they have learned in class and apply it in real-world situations.
Examples include:
- developing a business plan for a refugee clinic
- participating in community events to promote service learning and community engagement
- spending a day in a service learning workshop to learn how to combine community service with the concepts covered in class
Independent research is also supported and encouraged. Sociology students carry out their own research while doing their honours, or as student research assistants.
First and second-year sociology courses provide an overview of the discipline and an introduction to sociological analysis. You will be introduced to the study of social problems through dynamic class interactions and assignments.
Third-year courses emphasize theoretical approaches, analytical methods, and their application to major areas of interest. This will help you build on your critical, analytical, and writing skills and teach theoretical approaches to sociology.
In your fourth year, students work with greater interdependence and in more depth on a range of sociological topics.
Classes and assignments are designed to build both conceptual and applied skills. You will have the opportunity to pursue research as part of the honours program.
Undergraduate certificates related to Sociology
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides students with the opportunity to develop valuable knowledge, methodologies, and applied skills about the important issue of building an inclusive society free from barriers to full participation and engagement.
Social Research Methodologies
The certificate in Social Research Methodologies focuses on the understanding and application of the social science research methods commonly used in the public and private sectors.
SOCI 1001 — Introduction to Sociology
This course introduces the basic concepts of sociology including social structure, culture, socialization, deviance, social control, social organization, structured social inequality, and social change. It makes extensive use of examples from the Canadian context.
SOCI 1201 — Sociological Imagination
This course explores the major theoretical frameworks of sociology and the conceptual tools used to examine intersecting social relations embedded in everyday practices. It focuses on understanding how biographical characteristics are influenced by impersonal historical forces and significant structural transformations of society. The examination of sociological imagination lays the foundation for understanding how to differentiate between 'personal troubles' and 'public issues'.
SOCI 2111 — Social Class and Inequality
This course is intended as an introductory examination of social inequalities and stratification in Canada based primarily on issues relating to class. This course guides students through an understanding of historic class formations in Canada to more modern analyses and understandings of class as related to neo-liberal and global economies. As well, this course looks at the intersections of class with gender, race, and disability as it relates to social inequalities and stratification.
SOCI 3511 — Sociology of Health & Illness
This course explores health, illness, and health care from a sociological perspective. The course focuses on the social determinants of health, demonstrates how social structures influence the occurrence of illness, examines why some social groups suffer more sickness and disease than others, deconstructs the social construction of medical practices and medicalization, and shows how health practices are socially constructed.
SOCI 3791 — Introduction to Restorative Justice
This foundational course will introduce learners to an alternative approach to crime that differs from the traditional punitive approach of the legal system. Participants will explore the foundational values, goals and principles of both Restorative Practice as well as the Restorative Justice model, and how this approach may be applied in a variety of sociological settings including, but not limited to social services, nonprofits, and schools. The course explores how restorative justice practice represents a move from one of social control to one of social engagement, in terms of the response to crime. Further, the course will consider the situation in Canada as it compares to the United States and the United Kingdom in implementing reforms to the justice system based on diversionary approaches and strategies. Finally, the course reviews evidence of the cost effectiveness of restorative approaches and the effectiveness at reducing recidivism.
SOCI 4971 — Community Based Learning Project
This course integrates academic course work with community engagement linking sociological concepts, empirical studies, embodied knowledge, public and applied sociology, and field research with independent experience working in partnership with a community organization. This course aims to heighten students' engagement with central sociological themes and material through their experiences in community-based work. The academic course content facilitates students' ability to reflect in deep and constructive ways on their experiences working with the community. (Format: Independent Study)
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Claudine Bonner
Associate professor, Sociology
What can I do with a sociology degree?
Through experiential learning, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½'s strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in social work and medicine while others move directly into careers in community service and beyond.
Popular career paths for Sociology graduates include:
- community development officer
- social worker
- community support worker
- social policy analyst
- population/demography analyst
- market research analyst
- human resources specialist
- social research specialist
- employment/career development counsellor
What is it like to study at ÕýÆ·À¶µ¼º½?
The sociology department by far has been the most welcoming and empathetic team of professors to interact with. I'm so glad I took 'Intro to Sociology' — without it, I would not be where I am today. I would not have known where to put my social justice energy without sociology as part of my life.
The Sociology department has truly mentored me into the person I am today. I am so grateful for the support, mentorship, and guidance I have received from every faculty member in the department.
/current-students/department-sociology
What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to sociology?
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It seeks to understand human nature and why people do what they do.
Health Studies
Interdisciplinary Health Studies offers a multifaceted approach to the study of health.
Community Engaged Learning
Community Engaged Learning integrates academic learning with community service, connecting course-based learning with real-world experiences with community partners.